BT Final bill - when did I leave?

michaels

I switched away my landline and broadband form BT with my new supplier taking over on the 17th August. BT are claiming I did not leave them until the 28th August so have billed me up to this date - why?

jaybeetoo

Did you give BT 30 days notice?

michaels

So it turns out that because I was leaving in contract due to price rise I first had to give BT notice that I was leaving due to price rise and then arrange the switch away (as otherwise I would have been charged the outstanding minimum contract period). This then gave a 30 days to end of contract date but the switch was then arranged to happen within 20 days leaving 10 days where I was with and paying for new provider but also paying for BT for 30 day notice period. Sounds dodgy to me but it is not enough to be worth arguing over.

phillw

michaels wrote: »

So it turns out that because I was leaving in contract due to price rise I first had to give BT notice that I was leaving due to price rise and then arrange the switch away (as otherwise I would have been charged the outstanding minimum contract period). This then gave a 30 days to end of contract date but the switch was then arranged to happen within 20 days leaving 10 days where I was with and paying for new provider but also paying for BT for 30 day notice period. Sounds dodgy to me but it is not enough to be worth arguing over.

Yeah, this does sound dodgy. ofcom rules say you have the right to leave without penalty when the provider increases the price. I would argue in strong terms that charging you for 10 days that you were paying another provider is a clear penalty. They can't put extra barriers in that inconvenience you leaving, they decided the timing of the price rise & you should get to decide how quickly you leave.

The magic words are "I wish to make a complaint". Just querying it and arguing isn't enough, you have to get them to record a complaint. If you don't get it refunded then ask for a deadlock letter to send to the ombudsman as you don't want to wait 28 days. Be clear that they are violating ofcom rules of applying a penalty when you left due to a price rise.

I've switched loads and most of the time I've initially been charged a penalty for leaving due to a price rise, even though I always phone them to tell them I will be leaving because of the price rise.

I've always received a refund after complaining, I've never once received a dead lock letter.